Hi Sea Princess,
I agree, your child enjoying the class is the ultimate goal but I remember when I was young, I loved my toy piano and my mum convinced me to go to class so I could play properly. I learned the traditional way at the age of 4 or 5 and just remember feeling frustrated as it was slow and boring. This was partially my impatience most likely but I also think the teacher had alot to do with it too. I remember hating going to class and hating practicing. I ended up doing it for 13 years but didn't really enjoy piano until my last 3 - 4 years when I had a fantastic teacher.
I wanted to learn the violin and begged for lessons. I started learning the violin at 12 using the Suzuki Method and had a fabulous, creative teacher. As I already had a music base, it was much quicker for me to learn as I knew how to read, however, I was amazed at how the first song I played in my first lesson was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! I remember thinking that if I had learnt Suzuki Method with piano, I probably wouldn't have been so frustrated and would've loved my classes more.
I think finding a teacher who makes it fun, who encourages the kids and helps build their confidence is really critical. You can always try either method as I think it also depends on the child's personality and age. If they're easily frustrated at not getting anywhere, perhaps Suzuki is more appropriate.
I agree, your child enjoying the class is the ultimate goal but I remember when I was young, I loved my toy piano and my mum convinced me to go to class so I could play properly. I learned the traditional way at the age of 4 or 5 and just remember feeling frustrated as it was slow and boring. This was partially my impatience most likely but I also think the teacher had alot to do with it too. I remember hating going to class and hating practicing. I ended up doing it for 13 years but didn't really enjoy piano until my last 3 - 4 years when I had a fantastic teacher.
I wanted to learn the violin and begged for lessons. I started learning the violin at 12 using the Suzuki Method and had a fabulous, creative teacher. As I already had a music base, it was much quicker for me to learn as I knew how to read, however, I was amazed at how the first song I played in my first lesson was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! I remember thinking that if I had learnt Suzuki Method with piano, I probably wouldn't have been so frustrated and would've loved my classes more.
I think finding a teacher who makes it fun, who encourages the kids and helps build their confidence is really critical. You can always try either method as I think it also depends on the child's personality and age. If they're easily frustrated at not getting anywhere, perhaps Suzuki is more appropriate.